Episode 9: Red Berserker

WEE-WOO! WEE-WOO! WEE-WOO! WEE-WOO!

Throughout the streets several firetrucks stormed themselves among the concrete roads of Inferno District. The firetruck up front continuously increased it's speed as the driver kept their eyes on the road and the night-sky above. Adding some extra strength onto the wheel of the truck the driver narrowed their eyes and gritted their teeth. Meanwhile several civilians near the trucks stopped in place on the sidewalks or moved their cars to the side so they wouldn't get in the way.

On Phoenix Street a plethora of people in sleepwear stood in the middle of the road. In front of them stood a large building engulfed in flames. From top to bottom the entire structure was covered in large burning piles of fire and giving off big chunks of smoke in the air. Although this was absolutely a horrible thing to witness, the people near the burning couldn't turn away from it. The wood and concrete covered in a smoldering blaze, it's enticing glow, it's radiating heat, and...from an alternate perspective, it's enticing beauty. So horrible to look at, and yet, it was mesmerizing as the same time.

"NO!"

Hearing the unexpected scream some of the people turned their heads to a young woman behind them. The woman carried a completely distraught expression with tears bubbling up from her eyes until they started falling onto her cheeks. Without a word the young woman instantly rushed straight toward the building, but right as she got close two older men grabbed her by the arms and pulled her back. Keeping their grip on her she started thrashing around and pushing herself forward, doing everything she can to break free, but to no avail.

"Let me go! Let me go! Let me go!" The woman yelled.

"Are you insane?! You want to get turned into burnt toast?!" Man#1 asked.

"LET ME GOOOOOOO!" The woman wailed. "I HAVE TO GET IN THERE! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! I HAVE TO GET IN THERE!'

Right as Man#2 was about to speak to her both men and woman turned their heads to the upcoming firetrucks approaching them. Now would've been a good time to feel at least a small sensation of relieve, but unfortunately that wasn't the case with the two men still holding the woman.

Coming up to the group of people the firetrucks parked themselves in front of them and the Fire Squad quickly got out of their trucks, pointing their attention onto the burning building. A member of the squad walked straight up to the group.

"Is there anybody injured?" The Firefighter asked.

The two men rapidly shook their heads.

"No, sir. We all managed to get out before the fire started spreading." Man#1 replied.

"We're really glad to see you all here." Man#2 added.

The Firefighter gave the two men a nod and took notice of the people behind them save while still looking at the fire. However, before the Firefighter could ask another important question his eyes turned onto the woman the two men were holding onto.

Looking up the woman locked her eyes onto the Firefighter in front of her. Her tears continued to fall as her lips started quivering. Here she was getting held back because of how dangerous the fire would've effected her and yet the experts arrived to solve the problem.

"Please! Please you gotta go in there!" The woman yelled.

The Firefighter gasped at the tone of her voice, but looking at her saddened and sorrowful expression gave them a small clue as to what she was implying. Turning their body around the Firefighter aimed their eyes onto the scorching building and started walked toward it.

"Yo! Fire Squad!"

Hearing that voice the Firefighter stopped in their tracks and turned around. Stepping out from the crowd of people Pyrope made himself known.

"I'm helping you."

The Firefighter immediately shook their head, "Absolutely not! Civilians are not authorized to-" Right when they were about to finish their sentence the Firefighter took a good look at who they were talking to and shook their head again, "Okay, we really don't have time for this. You wanna help? Thanks. Go in there. I'll send in one of my people while we hose her down, okay?"

Pyrope gave them a nod and made his way toward the burning building. Going inside he quickly stopped in place. His entire surroundings were nothing but flames. Nearly everything was covered in fire or completely wrecked beyond repair. Narrowing his eyes he turned his head toward a staircase and quickly made his way up. Coming up to the second he turned his head from left to right as he ran.

"Anybody in here!" Pyrope yelled. "I'm here to help! Scream so I hear you!"

"MOMMY!"

"HELP US!"

Quickly stopping in place Pyrope turned to another staircase, however this one had a massive hole at the center of it. Going up the stairs he leaped into the air and land onto the upper-stairs, but right when he did the lower stairs collapsed, dropping right onto the floor and engulfed in flames. Without the need to turn around Pyrope groaned and ran up the stairs.

Reaching the second floor he turned his head to an open room. Going right into it Pyrope quickly turned his head in all directions to the voices from earlier. "WHERE ARE YOU!"

"WE'RE IN HERE!" Two voices said in unison.

Turning his head Pyrope located a door in the distance and quickly went up to it. Grabbing both knobs he opened it up at looked down. On the floor there were a small boy and a small girl holding each other and being covered in ash. Looking up they saw Pyrope looking at them with his narrowed eyes, making them hold each other tighter. Without a word he stretched out his arms, pulling the children close to his body and picking them up.

"Hold on. I'm getting you both out of here." Pyrope said while running out of the room.

Turning right he slightly increased his hold on the kids and kept running. In the distance he spotted a staircase and pushed on, but right when he was about to come up to it the ceiling above soon broke apart, falling right onto the staircase and breaking it off. Stopping in his tracks he turned his body to the left and made his way down another hallway.

"Hello! Pyrope! Are you here!"

The feminine voice entered his ears, making him approach a nearly busted railing in front of him. Down below he saw a Firefighter standing in the middle of the first floor. Looking at the two kids he increased his hold on them one more time.

"Listen. I need you both to be strong right now, okay?" Pyrope asked.

The boy and girl slowly looked up at him. Though their lips were quivering they nodded their heads at him and tightly held onto him.

"Hey!" Pyrope called.

Hearing his voice the Firefighter lifted her head, seeing him on the upper-floor.

"We're coming down!"

Without giving her a chance to respond Pyrope ran further toward the busted railing and jumped. At that moment the only thing the Firefighter could do was witness either one of the bravest things a person was able to do or one of the dumbest and idiotic things a person was stupid enough to do. Overall, there was nothing keeping her from watching him coming down from a huge height all the way down to the first floor.

THUMP!

Reaching down onto the first floor Pyrope squatted his legs before raising himself up in front of the Firefighter.

"Here. I didn't see anyone else, only these kids." Pyrope said, handing her the children.

Shaking off what she'd just witness the Firefighter took the two children into her arms.

"Take them back to their mom. I'm putting this out." Pyrope said, turning his head to the ceiling.

"What!?" The Firefighter replied. "Don't be crazy! My people are already-"

"JUST GO! NO ARGUMENTS!" Pyrope yelled.

The Firefighter took a step back from his aggressive tone. Narrowing her eyes she opened her mouth to give him a piece of her mind, but she then looked down at the children in her arms whimpering. Raising her head up she clicked her tongue at Pyrope before turning around and making her way out.

With the Firefighter and the two kids out Pyrope slowly walked right out of the building. Turning his head he spotted the Firefighter handing the children to their mother. The mother fell onto her knees and released loud animalistic sobs while hugging both of her kids close to herself. Turning his head to the other side Pyrope saw the rest of the Fire Squad gathered around with large hoses, spraying chunks of water at the building.

Shifting his body around Pyrope placed his attention right onto the building. Pulling his head back, Pyrope then threw it forward and opened his mouth. Once he did a humongous stream of flames erupted right out, aiming itself right into an opening of the building. Inside Pyrope's flames made contact with the building's, only his started to grow and expand with added pressure.

"Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa! What the hell are you doing!?" The Leader Firefighter yelled.

The Leader made their way over to Pyrope, but right when they were about to get in close one of his people stepped in, raising out both of her in front of them.

"Leader, wait!" The Female Firefighter replied. "Look at what he's doing."

The Leader blinked at her and turned their head to Pyrope's actions. Looking closing at it they were slowly starting to see what she was talking about. Little by little the flames on the inside and outside were getting smaller and smaller. Smoke started rising up from the buildings damaged windows and soon enough the fire ad completely vanished.

Pushing his head back Pyrope closed his mouth at the same time the Fire Squad turned off their hoses. With the flames all gone the building itself was hard to look at. Damaged windows, burnt wood and bricks, destroyed furniture, and wreckage that can't be repaired by any means.

"Pyrope."

Hearing his name getting called he turned his head to see the Leader approach him. "Although I don't approve of you shooting more flames at the building, thanks to you two children were saved and we managed to keep it from collapsing, or at least what remains of it. So...thank you."

"I helped you guys out because I was in the area." Pyrope replied. "And you're welcome."

With the job taken care of Pyrope walked right pass the Leader while putting his hands in his pockets. Not a big deal since he was in the area while this was happening, but next time he might not be around to lend a hand.

"Hey!" The Female Firefighter called out, She then stormed right up to him with an angered expression. "Don't talk to my superior like that! And what makes you think you can-"

The Female Firefighter wasn't able to finish her sentence as Pyrope shifted his body around and glared right at her. At the sight of it she froze in place and took several steps back. It wasn't just her, but her superior and the crowd all took a few steps back at his angry expression.

"Drop it. The job is done and I'm going home." Pyrope replied and resumed walking away.

The next day Pyrope casually walked among a crowd of people walking down the streets. Up ahead he spotted an entrance to Cage Station and quickly made his way through the crowd before going into the entrance. Coming down a flight of stairs he turned his head and locked his eyes onto the ticket counter near him.

Walking up to the counter he attempted to speak with the Ticket Holder, but just as he was about to two young girls walked right pass him and stood in front of him. The two girls held phones up to their ears while carrying purses with small dogs inside of them.

"Uh, excuse us?" Girl#1 said at the counter.

"Yes, how may I-" The Ticket Holder replied nicely.

Girl#2 held up her hand, making the Ticket stop speaking, "Yeah, that's nice and all, but we're kinda in a hurry. May we have to tickets to Inferno District?"

"Uhh...of course, miss-"

"Ugh. Stop talking and do your job. My bestie and I have an appointment and it'll be your fault if we're late." Girl#1 scoffed.

The Ticket Holder narrowed their eyes at the girls, but as much as they would wanted to call them out for their behavior they'd rather avoid it considering the kind of people they were dealing with at the moment. Typing their fingers on their keyboard the Ticket Holder soon printed out two tickets and handed them to the girls.

Girl#2 took the tickets and reached into her purse to throw out some bills on the counter.

With their tickets the girls turned around and saw Pyrope standing right behind him with narrowed eyes and crossed arms. The little dogs inside the purses gazed upon him and started to growl, but when Pyrope turned his eyes on them he let out a growl of his own. Hearing it through their ears the two dogs starting whimpering and dug themselves into the purses.

"Hey, don't scare our babies you freak-show." Girl#1 said firmly.

Raising his head Pyrope tightened his eyes at the girl and walked up to her. Lifting up his arm he pointed his thumb out to a bench in the distance. "Why don't you and your friend go grab a seat. Or," Pulling up his other hand his placed it into the other and cracked it. "Would you both instead like a lesson in manners?"

Both girls turned their heads to each other before putting them back onto Pyrope. His glare was enough for the both of them to decide on what action to commence. Turning their bodies they walked away and headed into the direction of the bench.

Watching them leave Pyrope sucked in some air and exhaled in out while putting his arms down. Turning his head he looked over to the Ticket Holder and approached them.

"One Ticket for Inferno District, please." Pyrope said calmly.

The Ticket Holder gave him a nod and started typing before printing out his ticket and putting it on the counter. Taking the ticket Pyrope pulled out his wallet and handed out a bill to them. Picking up the bill the Ticket Holder gasped when looking at it.

"Uh, sir...this is more than what's required." The Ticket Holder said.

"I know. Keep the change." Pyrope replied, taking his ticket and walking away.

Putting the ticket into his pocket Pyrope turned to the left and spotted an empty bench. Going up to it he took his seat and leaned back. Closing his eyes for a brief moment he sucked in some air into his nose and slowly exhaled it out again. Reopening his eyes he locked them onto the empty tracks and pulled out his phone. Unlocking it he tapped his thumb onto a App with a TV symbol on it, opening it up with a video already available to watch. Moving his thumb he tapped on the screen and the video began playing.

"Good morning, Destiny City." Said the Newswoman. "Our top story: Last night there was a large fire blazing on Phoenix Street. Thankfully many civilians managed to escape the dangerous flames and one of the Rainbow Gems, Pyrope Evans, had stepped in to assist the Fire Squad. It is rather unclear how the fire spread with police evidence suggesting it to be the work of an arsonist. The police are now investigating the event as of today and many victims of the fire are safely reaching out to Chopper Hospital. More will be released after our commercial break. We'll be right back at Fate News."

When the video was finished a loud beeping noise entered the station, making it's inhabitants turn their eyes to the speakers at the ceiling.

"Attention everyone! The train for Inferno District is approaching. Please make sure you have your tickets available when coming aboard. Thank you for choosing Destiny Station." The intercom announced.

Shifting his head to the left Pyrope spotted the train rapidly coming up to the station and quickly decreasing it's speed the closer it got. Putting his phone back into his pocket he stood up from his seat and pulled out his ticket. Soon...the train came to a complete stop and opened up it's doors. One by one several people from the train started coming off of the train and going their separate ways while Pyrope and those around him began walking up to the train.

Turn to the right Pyrope took his seat and sat back. More passengers started coming in to take their seats or grab a hold onto some support bars. The last passenger then took their seat in front of Pyrope just before the doors started to close. With many passengers seated or those within seats the train slowly started to move and increase it's speed by the second.

Coming up to the station the train started slowing down and came to a complete stop. Raising himself up Pyrope turned his body and made his way to an open door. Lifting up his head he made his way to a selection of stairs and started making his way up. Coming off of the last step his lips curved up slightly as he started making his way through the sidewalk.

In the distance stood a large building with a large sign of a pair of boxing-gloves surrounded by flames. Underneath the boxing-gloves were the words: JOJO'S GYM in all caps. The people on the sidewalk either took some glances at the sign and kept moving on with themselves or maneuvered themselves towards the front doors and made their way inside.

Going up to the doors Pyrope reached out for the handle and pulled it, pushing the door toward him and opening it up so he would enter inside. On the other side of the door Pyrope's lips started stretching out a bit more. Within the building a large ring stood directly at the center of the area. Inside the ring two people stood in front of each other wearing boxing gloves and protective gear.

Outside the ring four large sandbag were hung by chains in various corners and each one was getting punched in different ways by singular people wearing boxing-gloves. Near the people aiming their fists at the sandbags were other people curving their bodies in front of large Practice Dummies or pushing themselves forward and backward while standing on a mat.

"Glad to see you made it, baby."

Hearing that feminine voice Pyrope turned his head and spotted a woman approaching him in the distance. The woman was dark-skinned with brown eyes and short black hair ending at the end of her neck. She wore small golden earrings, a small ounce of red lipstick, and a silver necklace. The woman wore a short black shirt exposing her navel with gray sweat pants and black sneakers.

Coming up to Pyrope the woman wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his. Pyrope gladly welcomed her affection and placed his hand onto her hips. The two softly moaned and held each other for a few more seconds until they ultimately pulled themselves away, but continued holding each other.

"Claire. How's my queen doin'?" Pyrope replied.

Claire lightly frowned and moved her hands onto his chest. "I saw the news this morning."

Releasing one hand from her hip Pyrope placed it onto her cheeks, caressing it. "I was in the right place at the wrong time."

A small groaned exited her lips, "I was worried. I shouldn't sometimes considering...what you are...but, I was still worried."

Pyrope pushed his head forward, putting his lips onto Claire's, but only for a brief moment until he pulled away.

"I'm sorry. I know I should let the Fire Squad do their job, but with how the big the fire was I felt like I had to step in. I didn't mean to scare you." Pyrope replied softly.

Claire closed her eyes and sighed heavily. Opening her eyes she and Pyrope released themselves from each other and turned their attention onto the gym. Looks like they were definitely gonna have a busy day today.

*RING RING*

Letting that familiar sound echo into the air Pyrope let out a long groan and pulled out his phone. An icon of a Gem appeared on his screen. Tapping on the icon with his thumb a map of the world erupted behind the icon before it placed itself onto a location. Turning his head to Claire they both frowned at each other, but...locking their eyes onto one another they both understood what was going to happen next.

"I hate leaving you here." Pyrope said, putting his phone away.

"Me too. But I'm not alone here. So hurry back so you can make it up to me and not leave me hanging." Claire replied.

Pyrope gave her a nod as his Gemstone started to glow. Coming out of it a red Warp Whistle popped out, dropping right into his palm before he lifted it up to his lips. Taking one more look at his girl he blew right into the whistle, covering his whole body in a large red light until he disappeared.

In a bright flash of light Pyrope soon arrived at his destination. All around the area fog and mist obscured the air. Traces of sunlight was present, but barely coming in. Squinting his eyes Pyrope turned his head from left to right, spotting several trees surrounding him. Lowering his head he turned his gaze to the ground, crawling with bugs scattering through the dirt or sinking into it. Raising his head a collection of chirps entered his ears.

Sucking in some air into his nose he slowly exhaled it out and started walking. Keeping his eyes forward he slowly curled his fingers into fists. With every step he took he increased his grip. He was now out of the city; out of his home. He has a job to do. Everyone in his family has to do this whenever they get the call. Only, nowadays, getting the call only adds more fuel to his mind. But...the sooner he gets it done the sooner he can return.

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

Stopping in his tracks his eyes lightly widened at sounds of guns in the air.

"AAAHHH!"

"NO! NO!"

"STAY AWAY FROM ME!"

Tightening his eyes even harder, Pyrope pushed himself forward. Maneuvering through the dirt he spotted a large wooden up ahead. Making his way toward it he picked up his speed, but right when he made it halfway he located the source of the screams.

On the other side of the bridge several D.H.P. Soldiers were laying down in the dirt. Most of their gear showed large holes at the center of their bodies or severe scorch marks. In the middle of the area stood a huge red creature with large horns at the top of it's head. The creature had a long trail of fire right on it's back and the tip of it's tail was covered it flames. It showcased a large set of arms and legs, but interestingly it's face held a huge nose with steam coming out of it's nostrils and fire-piercing eyes. Lastly, there was a large red Gemstone at the center of it's chest.

In it's right hand the creature held a D,H,P. and snarled at the person. Lifting the person high into the air it pulled it's arm back and threw the person away. Rotating in the air the person was unable to move a single muscle and soon came face to face with a nearby tree. Impacting the tree the person flipped over and landed harshly onto the ground.

The creature soon lifted it's head and unleashed a burst of flames from it's mouth and nostrils. Victory had been achieved and these pathetic D.H.P. stood absolutely no chance against it. Why would they even try to fight it anyways?

Right as the creature lowered it's head a huge ounce of force hit it right in the jaw, pushing it back and making it tumble until fell right onto it's back. Picking it's head up the creature saw the one responsible for hitting it standing in front of hit.

Pyrope glared at the beast with steam beginning to pour out of his body. Lowering his fist and straightening himself up he pointed his fist at the beast, "Get up!"

Snarling at him the beast quickly picked itself up from the dirt, but dug both of it's hands into the moist dirt. Scraping the dirt the creature snorted out a puff of smoke and launched itself straight at Pyrope.

Watching it come Pyrope stood exactly where he stood. His glare never lightened up and locked itself right at the monster. Inch by inch the monster approached him, lowering it's head so it's horns soon pointed themselves right at their target. But right when the horn were about to make contact Pyrope pulled his arm back and threw it right at center of the creature's forehead.

On impact a small shockwave exploded through the area, pushing back the grounded D.H.P. people through the moist dirt. The creature was then pushed away from Pyrope, crashing right into the dirt under it. A small groan exited it's mouth and right when it turned it's head Pyrope leaped straight into the air and stretched his arm, aiming it right onto the creature's jaw once more.

Raising out his other arm Pyrope quickly threw it right onto the other side of the creature's jaw. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth he aimed his fists right onto the creature's head in various places. The chin, the cheeks, the forehead, the throat. It didn't matter where he was aiming as long as the job was getting done with more and more steam exiting his body.

Halting his fist he opened it up and placed it near his Gemstone. The Gemstone illuminated a small red glow and from it a black metal handle came out of it. Gripping on the handle he slowly pulled it out and the rest of the handle revealed itself as a short double-edged axe.

Raising it up Pyrope rapidly brought it down onto the beast's head. On contact the creature growled and brought up it's hands onto Pyrope's. It's legs started wiggling and thrashing on the ground, trying it's hardest to get Pyrope off of it, but Pyrope gritted his teeth and dug his axe deeper into the beast's skull.

RRRRRAAAAAAAAWWWWWHHHHHHH!

Opening his mouth a beastly roar exited Pyrope. The steam leaving his body soon burst into flames, covering his whole back and shoulders. His pupils started to dilate right when his axe ignited in a large blaze.

POOF!

The added pressure and flames brought upon by Pyrope completely destroyed the beast, eliminating it's body in a erupted explosion. Falling onto the moist dirt Pyrope shut his eyes tightly and raised his head.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!

Opening his mouth a huge stream of flames erupted right out of him, aiming right into the mist-covered skies.

In no short than a minute Pyrope closed his mouth and lowered his head. Dismissing his axe he slowly reopened his eyes as his flames extinguished themselves. Locking his eyes onto the Gemstone he reached out and grabbed it before putting it into a red bubble and tapping it's top, sending it away.

Raising himself up he turned around to the D.H.P. people. A long groan exited his mouth as he took a few steps forward.

"Great. *huff* I'm gonna Claire wait again." He groaned.

End Of Episode 9.

I'm very sorry for keeping you all waiting. My internet has been acting up and I had to wait a while before I could use it again.

Oher than that, hope you all enjoyed. See you soon.